A94/100
Council Bluffs Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 64,447 residents · Iowa
What's In Council Bluffs's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2017.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
COUNCIL BLUFFS WATER WORKS
Population Served
64,447
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
IA7820080
Frequently Asked Questions About Council Bluffs Water
Is Council Bluffs tap water safe to drink?
Council Bluffs, Iowa tap water receives a grade of A (94/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Council Bluffs's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Council Bluffs's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Council Bluffs have any water quality violations?
Yes, Council Bluffs has 3 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2017. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Council Bluffs's tap water come from?
Council Bluffs's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by COUNCIL BLUFFS WATER WORKS. The system serves approximately 64,447 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Council Bluffs's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Council Bluffs's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Council Bluffs's water compare to other cities in Iowa?
Council Bluffs's water quality score of 94/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Council Bluffs among the better-performing water systems in Iowa. Visit our Iowa state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Council Bluffs's water quality?
If you have concerns about Council Bluffs's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (COUNCIL BLUFFS WATER WORKS) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.